Before the concert, representatives of Japan’s International Cultural Exchange Committee presented a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in the philharmonic foyer. They also conducted a master class on the national game shogi, known as Japanese chess. In addition, an ensemble performing on the traditional three-stringed instrument shamisen delighted the audience. This allowed visitors to become more closely acquainted with Japanese culture.
The concert was organized with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Embassy of Japan in Kazakhstan. The T. Abdrashev State Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Republic of Kazakhstan performed at the event, conducted by Kuanysh Ismailov, laureate of international and national competitions.
Japanese musicians Kodai Minoda (shamisen), Mayuko Katsumura (violin), Kazuhiro Miyamura (oboe), Mitsukuni Tsujimoto (trumpet), and Tasaitira Mochizuki (tsuzumi) performed on the philharmonic stage, showcasing the unique characteristics of Japanese music.
The program included the first movement of G. Zhubanova’s Violin Concerto, S. Yudakov’s Poem, Wada’s Fusuikyo, and A. Arutyunian’s Trumpet Concerto. Special appreciation was given to H. Oguri’s Ballade for oboe and orchestra, as well as H. Hoshina’s Prayers and Games Under a Ray of Light for oboe, tsuzumi, and orchestra.
This cultural event demonstrated the spiritual closeness of the two countries through the language of music and strengthened a lasting bridge of friendship. We believe that cultural and spiritual cooperation between the two nations will continue to flourish.
